English–Japanese

“origin” in Japanese

Japanese

Also由来 (yurai) · 発祥 (hasshō)

Pronunciation

Romajikigen

Example

この言葉の起源を調べました。ko no koto ba no ki gen o shira be ma shi ta

I researched the origin of this word.

Illustration for 起源 (origin)

How to say “origin” in Japanese

“Origin” in Japanese is 起源 (kigen).

起源 (kigen) identifies the original point from which a history, practice, or idea can be traced.

Full entry for 起源: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 起源

この祭りの起源は古代にさかのぼります。ko no matsu ri no ki gen wa ko dai ni sa ka no bo ri ma su

The origin of this festival dates back to ancient times.

Tips for using 起源

  • English speakers use origin for both beginnings and ancestry, so the same noun can describe the start of a tradition and a person's family background.

Other Japanese words for “origin”

この名前の由来を知っていますか？ko no na mae no yu rai o shi tte i ma su ka

Do you know the origin of this name?

この料理は大阪発祥です。ko no ryō ri wa ō saka has shō de su

This dish originated in Osaka.

“origin” in other languages